A computer graphic card ( also referred to as a GPU ) is one of the most vital parts of your information processing system , perhaps 2nd only to your automobile ’s processor . If you enjoy bet on on your PC , a substantial GPU is even more crucial . After all , you ca n’t get jaw - dropping computer graphic and blistering frame rate from an ultra - basic graphics apparatus .
Fortunately , replacing or upgrading the art menu on your PC is a unconscious process you could contract yourself . That is if you ’ve got the know - how and patience . As for the former , we ’ve produce this pathfinder to aid you on your journeying . Be sure to have pick out your replacement GPU from our list of thebest graphic batting order .
Before starting
If you need to polish off an sure-enough graphics card before set up your new one , you should uninstall your old graphic card driver first . If you ’re running Windows 11 , press theWindows Key + Ikeyboard shortcutto reach the configurations menu , then selectApps . practice the hunting feature to observe AMD or Nvidia show drivers . Select them , then selectUninstall . Wait for it to complete , then exclude down your PC .
It ’s also a honorable musical theme to take some safety precautions when removing or installing any components . At the very least , that means unplugging the power cable , but we ’d also commend an antistatic wristband , standing on a synthetic rubber lusterlessness , or at least sporadically touch the alloy frame of your case to make indisputable you are n’t holding any stable commission . Outside of that , snap up a screwdriver and a bowl or magnetic parts tray to keep rogue roll in the hay dependable .
The removal process
Step 1 : If you have an old artwork card in your PC , you need to remove it before you could set up the new one . If you ’re starting from scratch , decamp forward to the next measure .
Step 2 : You should first remove the power cable(s ) if it has them . They ’ll be located near the end of the scorecard and will typically have a push - pin – practice gentle pressure to this to unloosen .
gradation 3 : Next , you ’ll need to take out the screws holding the GPU to the PCI Express backplate . Use your fingers ( if thumbscrews ) or a screwdriver to remove those , and put them to one side as we ’ll want them when set up the new GPU .
Step 4 : The final step is to free the clip mechanism that most motherboards expend to hold a carte du jour in place . It will be located underneath the notice at the end of the PCIe expansion slot . If you could , take a upright spirit at it as some want press , while others must be pulled to the side . If you ca n’t see it due to your card getting in the way , have a good spirit and ascertain how it can be loosened by tactual sensation . If in dubiousness , appear up your motherboard make online to get a good idea of what it looks like .
Once the clip is relaxed , cautiously hook the posting out of the PCIe slot . Sometimes a card can get stuck on the PCIe backplate due to the way the case is designed , so do n’t occupy about giving the card a piddling jiggle to release it .
Step 5 : When the wag is take , be sure to place it on a surface that is n’t electrically conductive . Ideally , place it inside an antistatic bag .
Removing the PCIe backplate
You ca n’t instal a new graphics calling card without first making blank space for it in the PCIe backing plate . If you removed your old nontextual matter board first , there ’s a sound luck that there ’s plenty of blank back there already , but if you did n’t — or if your unexampled GPU is larger than the last — you may also need to remove an additional backplate or two .
footmark 1 : Take a look at your next nontextual matter bill and even hold it over the PCIe slot you want to install it into ( you want the PCIe 16x expansion slot ) . It ’s typically the topmost slot on the board ( if you ’re unsure , look at your motherboard manual of arms or an online resource ) . visualize out how many PCIe one-armed bandit you ’ll take and expend either your fingers or a screwdriver to transfer the requisite number of PCIe backplates .
Step 2 : Put them somewhere good , as you never make love if you might need them again in the hereafter . Although most case manufacturers have removeable PCIe plates , some ask that you pop out the championship . If you have such a suit , softly wiggle the back plate back and forth to break off the piece . You wo n’t be capable to put these back on , so make certain you ’re pull the right ones .
Installing the new card
With plenty of space for your new nontextual matter wit , it ’s time to actually establish it . The process is relatively simple but can be a short fiddly depending on the size of your microcomputer case and whether your other components obstruct you at all .
Step 1 : disregardless , you ’ll be slotting your graphic card into the PCIe slot . You may need to fare in at a slight angle to check that that the I / O photographic plate on the back of the card slot into the PCIe backplate correctly . ensure the PCIe clip is undecided before installing the card .
stone’s throw 2 : The most important dance step to remember here is that it wo n’t take much force to set up . Be truehearted but gentle . We urge using the palm of your hand , directly above where the carte is slot into the PCIe slot . With your palm on the border of the card , gently enwrap your fingers around the cooler , focalize the air pressure on your palm .
footstep 3 : If you find it ’s not slot in , take it out and see if something is impede the PCIe time slot . You should take heed the cartridge holder at the goal of the PCIe slot click when it ’s instal , but that may not be the case for every motherboard .
Step 4 : When you ’re quenched with its installation , ensure to chouse in the backplate roll in the hay to hold it firmly in lieu . If want be , you could shift the card slightly in its slot to well slant the screws . Do n’t put any press on the card here , though . The squirm room is just enough for a few millimeter on either side of the screw hole .
Incidentally , you do n’t have to ride your board horizontally . If your case allows it , you might be able tovertically rise the graphics card , which can be good for both airflow and aesthetics .
Attaching power cables
Step 1 : turn up the right-hand cable you take for the occupation — it may be one or two six - stick or eight - pin PCIe power connectors . dual check that you have the right single , as using the wrong top executive cable can damage your components . Most power supply use a 6 + 2 connector ( visualize above ) . Use the small pill on the two - pin connexion to line it up with the six - pivot before connecting it if your graphics card needs eight - thole great power . In most cause , you ’ll want the time on the connector present the side of the art circuit card with the cooler .
Step 2 : most all graphics cards use a six - pin or eight - pin connection or combining of the two . Some models use a 12 - pin connecter , though . For that , you ’ll need an transcriber that turns two eight - pin connexion into a unmarried 12 - stick one .
dance step 3 : When you ’re sure , plug them in to the corresponding slots at the end of your new GPU . You should see them come home into topographic point , but you may confirm they are all the way in by giving them a slender towboat . If plugged in properly , they should n’t move .
Test it out
The moment of Sojourner Truth for any personal computer ironware change — see if it works . threefold check you ’ve done everything aright so far , then , before invest your whole personal computer back together and plug everything in , plug away in the power cable , your keyboard and mouse , and a undivided monitor video cable system . Then turn your microcomputer on and see if you get a picture . If you do , felicitation ! You ’ve instal a raw graphics card .
If you do n’t see a picture , do n’t chafe , there may be a uncomplicated account .
footstep 1 : Your first stair should be to repeat check that you ’ve got the power cable television in . If you do and the board is emphatically receiving power ( fans spinning up , light shining ) , then replicate the above footstep . Remove the card and “ reseat ” it in the time slot to ensure it ’s definitely plug away in right . Also double insure the connection between your monitor and artwork card . ensure the cable is plug in correctly at both ends .
Step 2 : We urge resetting the CMOS / BIOS if that does n’t work ( turn back our guide onhow to employ the BIOSif you need help here ) . You ’ll also have to ensure that your PSU can handle the new graphics card ’s strength , so check the software documentation for the PSU to confirm it can handle the power draw for the new GPU . If not , you ’ll want a new mightiness supply .
footfall 3 : If you ’re still not seeing any resultant or melioration , you’re able to seek to set the card into a different PCle one-armed bandit . However , before you give that a go , we advocate reading the manual for your motherboard to ensure you wo n’t overcharge it or cause a short circuit . There are several motherboards with multiple 16x slots , and though you should always utilise the top area , you may experiment with a different one if you ca n’t seem to acquire a signal . As previously mentioned , we suggest consulting your motherboard ’s manual first and foremost .
Install new drivers
set up to set up some new graphics drivers after you get to the desktop . You ’ll have to remove all the drivers connected to your old graphics card to free up computer storage for the easiest , most runny integration . We would even advise using a service likeDisplay Driver Uninstallerto be extra careful . Once you ’ve completed all of these steps , bring up your organization .
You ’re now quick toinstall a number one wood for your GPU , depending on the specific brand of graphic wit you ’re using . Once it ’s finished running , reboot your computer , and you should be all place .
